The 29 best semi acoustic guitar brands
Ibanez, Yamaha and Gibson lead our ranking of 29 semi acoustic guitar brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Semi Acoustic Guitar brands, ranked
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1
Ibanez
Ibanez makes semi-hollow Artcore and AM series guitars alongside solid-body models.
Website: ibanez.com |Brands like Ibanez
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Yamaha
Yamaha makes semi-hollow SA and SC series guitars, including the SA2200 archtop-style model.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 8.7/10
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3
Gibson
Gibson makes the ES line of semi-hollow archtop guitars, including the ES-335 and ES-345.
Website: gibsonusa.com |Brands like Gibson
Popularity 6.0/10
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4
Vintage
Vintage began its journey in the mid-60s when John Skews desired an independent business and started a small musical instrument agency, which also served as a wholesale business. Over time, the company began to hit its stride and formed a line of self-branded musical equipment. The line includes electric and acoustic guitars and basses. Today, it is one of England's largest independent musical merchandise producers.
Website: vintageguitarsus.com |Brands like Vintage
Popularity 5.3/10
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5
Godin
Godin makes semi-acoustic guitars such as the Montreal and 5th Avenue Kingpin models, often with P90 pickups.
Website: godinguitars.com |Brands like Godin
Popularity 5.3/10
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6
Epiphone
Epiphone makes semi-hollow Casino, Sheraton, and Dot models, many modeled on Gibson designs.
Website: epiphone.com |Brands like Epiphone
Popularity 5.0/10
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7
Gretsch
Gretsch makes hollow and semi-hollow electrics such as the Electromatic, Synchromatic, and Country Gentleman.
Website: gretschguitars.com |Brands like Gretsch
Popularity 5.0/10
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8
Aria
Aria makes semi-hollow electric guitars, including ES-style and archtop models, under the Aria Pro II name.
Website: ariaguitarsglobal.com |Brands like Aria
Popularity 4.6/10
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9
Guild
Guild makes semi-hollow and hollow-body electrics such as the Starfire and Newark Street series.
Website: guildguitars.com |Brands like Guild
Popularity 4.6/10
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10
Cort
Cort makes semi-hollow electric guitars in several lines, often at entry-level prices.
Website: cort.com |Brands like Cort
Popularity 3.3/10
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11
Crafter
Crafter is a family-owned business that was begun in 1972. Their first guitar was built in the basement of their home. That marked the beginning of their legacy. Every instrument that is produced by them is a means of expressing...
Website: crafterguitars.uk.com |Brands like Crafter
Popularity 3.3/10
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12
Ovation
Ovation has been in the business for the last 30 years, and they have been manufacturing rugged, high-performance video surveillance products. The company sells its products to professionals, and the military and the police use them. The company does not...
Website: ovation.co.uk |Brands like Ovation
Popularity 2.7/10
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13
EKO
Eko was founded in 1959 in Castelfidardo by Oliviero Pigini who kickstarted the company by producing traditional acoustic guitars and small archtop guitars. It aims at providing a vast range of guitars that are consistent in their standard of quality...
Website: ekoguitars.it |Brands like EKO
Popularity 2.7/10
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14
Takamine
Takamine guitars are the ideal blend of traditional craftsmanship and world-class technology. Its commitment to invention and continuous development has elevated it to the ranks of the world's leading acoustic guitar manufacturers, producing genuinely excellent instruments that are the first...
Website: takamine.com |Brands like Takamine
Popularity 2.7/10
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15
Hagstrom
Hagstrom makes Swedish-designed semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars, such as the Viking and Super Swede.
Website: hagstromguitars.com |Brands like Hagstrom
Popularity 2.7/10
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16
Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker makes the 330 and 360 semi-hollow electric guitars, known for their distinctive body shape.
Website: rickenbacker.com |Brands like Rickenbacker
Popularity 2.7/10
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17
Reunion Blues
The guitar is one of the most played musical instruments in the world. It is also one of the most complex instruments to learn. Its protection is very crucial for the artist. Reunion Blues is a brand that provides different...
Website: reunionblues.com |Brands like Reunion Blues
Popularity 2.7/10
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18
Tokai
Tokai makes Japanese-built semi-hollow guitars, including ES-style models modeled on classic archtops.
Website: tokaijapan.com |Brands like Tokai
Popularity 2.7/10
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19
Moon
Moon guitars have become one of the most prevalent guitar brands globally. It is renowned for its outstanding craftsmanship, tone, and quality. The fact that the biggest names in music utilize them is not surprising. You can find all musical...
Website: moonguitars.co.uk |Brands like Moon
Popularity 1.9/10
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20
Shine
Shine company is here to make your outdoor shine with its furniture. Get outdoor fire pits, patio chairs, tables, and garden and wall décor at affordable prices. With Shine furniture bring your family and friends together with style. Built with...
Website: shineco.com |Brands like Shine
Popularity 1.9/10
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21
Carvin
Carvin makes semi-hollow electric guitars alongside its solid-body models, sold direct and through its own catalog.
Website: carvinaudio.com |Brands like Carvin
Popularity 1.9/10
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22
Schecter
Schecter makes semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars in several lines, often with modern pickup options.
Website: schecterguitars.com |Brands like Schecter
Popularity 1.9/10
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23
Washburn
Washburn makes semi-hollow and archtop electric guitars, including models in its Bella and HB series.
Website: washburn.com |Brands like Washburn
Popularity 1.9/10
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24
Guyatone
Guyatone is a Japanese brand known historically for semi-acoustic guitars from the 1960s, with some models revived today.
Website: guyatone.com |Brands like Guyatone
Popularity 1.9/10
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25
Samick
Samick makes semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars, including ES-style models sold under its own name.
Website: samickguitar.com |Brands like Samick
Popularity 1.9/10
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26
Teisco
Teisco is a vintage Japanese guitar brand known for 1960s semi-hollow models, with some modern reissues.
Website: teisco.com |Brands like Teisco
Popularity 1.9/10
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27
Levin
One of the oldest manufacturers in Europe, Levin Company, is a top producer of string instruments. For musicians, the brand name is a byword for premium-quality goods. In Sweden, Levin produces various instruments, from guitars to violins, cellos, double basses,...
Website: levinguitar.com |Brands like Levin
Popularity 1.9/10
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28
Burns
Burns London makes semi-hollow electric guitars, such as the Nu-Sonic and Bison, with a retro British style.
Website: burnsguitars.com |Brands like Burns
Popularity 1.9/10
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29
DiPinto
DiPinto Guitars deals in guitar sales, particularly vintage guitars, and the owner, Chris Di Pinto's guitar creations. The Philadelphia-based, family-owned company was founded in 1995 and operated out of a showroom that deals in full-scale guitar manufacturing and retailing. Aside...
Website: dipintoguitars.com |Brands like DiPinto
Popularity 1.9/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibanez | ibanez.com | – | – | – | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Gibson | gibsonusa.com | /GibsonOverseas | gibsonoverseas | @Gibson_Overseas | Gibson Overseas |
| Vintage | vintageguitarsus.com | /vintageguitarsus | vintage_guitars_us | – | UCtRCS1YL9fuVgoS-FOtJItA |
| Godin | godinguitars.com | /Godin-Guitars-OFFICIAL-110559045640076 | godin_guitars | @godin_guitars | godinguitarcompany |
| Epiphone | epiphone.com | /Epiphone | epiphone | @epiphone | OfficialEpiphone |
| Gretsch | gretschguitars.com | /GretschGuitars | officialgretsch | @gretschusa | gretschguitars |
| Aria | ariaguitarsglobal.com | /ariaguitars | ariaguitars | @ARIA_Guitars | ariaguitarsworld |
| Guild | guildguitars.com | /guildguitars | guildguitars | – | – |
| Cort | cort.com | – | – | – | – |
Semi Acoustic Guitars Buying Guide
If you are looking for a versatile and balanced sound guitar, the semi-acoustic guitar is an excellent option. Also known as hollow-body electric guitars, these instruments offer a unique combination of acoustic and electric guitar features, complemented by a warmer and more natural sound.
Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an experienced player, choosing the right semi-acoustic guitar can be a daunting task, given the many models, brands, and specifications available in the market. In this buying guide, we will explore some important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Body Design
The main feature that sets semi-acoustic guitars apart from solid-body guitars is the hollow or semi-hollow design of their body. This design allows the guitar to resonate and produce a richer and warmer sound, similar to that of an acoustic guitar. However, the degree of hollowness or semi-hollowness may vary depending on the model and brand.
Generally, semi-hollow guitars feature a solid wood center block that runs down the middle of the body, with hollow wings or chambers on the sides. This design reduces feedback and adds sustain and resonance to the sound. On the other hand, fully hollow electric guitars have no center block and rely entirely on the resonance of the body for their sound.
When choosing a semi-acoustic guitar based on body design, consider the following:
- Hollowness level: Do you prefer a more acoustic or electric sound? A less hollow guitar may produce a brighter and more focused sound, while a more hollow guitar may offer a warmer and richer tone.
- Body size and shape: Do you need a smaller or larger guitar? Different brands and models offer various body shapes and sizes, such as thinline, full-size, archtop, and more.
- Body material: What type of wood is used for the body? Different woods can affect the guitar's tone, resonance, and weight. Common woods used for semi-acoustic guitar bodies include maple, mahogany, spruce, and others.
Pickups
While semi-acoustic guitars are known for their acoustic-like sound, they also come equipped with pickups that enable them to be plugged into an amplifier or a sound system. The type, position, and number of pickups can affect the guitar's sound and versatility.
The most common types of pickups in semi-acoustic guitars are humbuckers and single-coils. Humbuckers use two coils to cancel out noise and provide a thicker and warmer tone, while single-coils offer a brighter and clearer sound, with more sustain and clarity. Some guitars feature a combination of both types, allowing for more tonal options.
The position of the pickups also plays a role in the guitar's sound. Most semi-acoustic guitars have one or two pickups, located near the neck or the bridge. A neck pickup provides a warmer and rounder sound, suitable for rhythm playing, while a bridge pickup offers a brighter and sharper sound better for lead playing. Some guitars also have a middle pickup, located between the neck and bridge, for added versatility.
When choosing a semi-acoustic guitar based on pickups, consider the following:
- Pickup type: Do you prefer a humbucker, single-coil, or a combination of both? Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on your playing style and genre.
- Pickup position: Do you need a neck or bridge pickup, or both? Consider the sound you want to achieve and the playing style you have in mind.
Hardware
Another factor to consider when buying a semi-acoustic guitar is the hardware or components that support its sound and playability. Hardware can include the bridge, tuners, knobs, switches, and other parts that affect the guitar's intonation, tuning stability, and overall performance.
The type and quality of the hardware can determine how well the guitar functions, and how easy it is to maintain and upgrade. Some important hardware features to look for are:
- Bridge: The bridge is where the strings are anchored to the guitar's body. Different types of bridges include fixed, floating, tune-o-matic, and others. Choose a bridge that suits your tuning preferences and playing style.
- Tuners: The tuners or machine heads are used to adjust the tension and pitch of the strings. High-quality tuners can ensure accurate and stable tuning, while lower-quality ones may cause the strings to slip and detune easily.
- Controls: The controls on a semi-acoustic guitar can vary depending on the model and brand. Common controls include volume and tone knobs, pickup selector switch, and other tone-shaping controls. Make sure these controls are responsive and easy to use while playing.
Price
Lastly, consider the price range when looking for a semi-acoustic guitar. These guitars can range from budget-friendly models to high-end custom versions, depending on the brand, materials, and features. While it is tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher price can often indicate better quality and performance.
At the same time, you need to find a guitar that suits your budget and needs. Consider how often you will be playing the guitar, your skill level, and your preferred genre. A high-end guitar may not be necessary if you are a beginner or play for fun, while a budget guitar may not meet your expectations if you are a professional or a serious player.
Conclusion
Buying a semi-acoustic guitar can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it requires careful consideration and research. By evaluating the body design, pickups, hardware, and price range, you can narrow down your options and find the best guitar for your playing style and preferences.
Remember to test the guitar before making a purchase, if possible, and listen to its sound and playability. Ultimately, the right semi-acoustic guitar is one that inspires you to play and create music, and that you can enjoy for years to come.
